CVE-2026-64393·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ksmbd: run set info with opener credentials SMB2 SET_INFO handlers call path-based VFS helpers after checking the access mask granted to the SMB handle. Those helpers perform their owner, inode permission and LSM checks using the current ksmbd worker credentials. Run the complete SET_INFO dispatch with the credentials captured when the handle was opened. This also removes the separate security information credential setup and keeps all SET_INFO classes under one credential scope. Direct override_creds() is used because it can nest with the request credential overrides already used by rename and link helpers.
- Severity
- critical
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 7.1.4
- Published
How likely is exploitation
FIRST's Exploit Prediction Scoring System puts the probability of this CVE being exploited in the next 30 days at 0.70% — higher than 52% of all published CVEs. EPSS is an independent forecast of exploitation, not a severity rating: it says nothing about how much damage a successful attack does, which is what a CVSS score measures.
Read the two together. CVE-2026-64393 scores 9.1 on CVSS, so a successful attack would be serious — but at 0.70%, almost nobody is currently attempting it. That is a different situation from a flaw under mass exploitation, and it is usually the difference between patching on your next maintenance window and patching tonight.
Affected versions
From: 6.19
Until: 7.1.4
Fixed in: 7.1.4
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 7.1.4 or later to resolve a critical privilege escalation vulnerability in the ksmbd SMB server component. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to bypass access control checks by exploiting improper credential handling during SET_INFO operations. Ensure all systems running kernel versions 6.19 through 7.1.3 are patched immediately.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check installed kernel version with `uname -r` and compare against affected range (6.19 to 7.1.3)
- Step 2: Verify ksmbd is enabled by checking `grep -i ksmbd /boot/config-$(uname -r)` for CONFIG_SMB_SERVER=y
- Step 3: Monitor /var/log/audit/audit.log for denied capability checks or permission violations on SMB file operations using `grep -i 'denied.*cap.*dac' /var/log/audit/audit.log`
- Step 4: After patching, confirm kernel version with `uname -r` returns 7.1.4 or later and reboot to activate changes
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-64393?
This is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Linux kernel's ksmbd SMB server where SET_INFO operations execute with incorrect security credentials, allowing attackers to modify files or attributes they should not have access to. The flaw stems from using worker thread credentials instead of the opener's credentials when performing permission checks.
Is CVE-2026-64393 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not currently listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, and no public exploits are available at this time.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2026-64393?
Linux kernel versions 6.19 through 7.1.3 are vulnerable. Version 7.1.4 and later contain the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2026-64393?
Run `uname -r` to check your kernel version; if it shows 6.19 to 7.1.3 and ksmbd is enabled (check with `grep CONFIG_SMB_SERVER /boot/config-$(uname -r)`), your system is vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2026-64393?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2026-64393 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0ce682867fd506f61f40c76bde7e4205bde34e87
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/20ee516a62989a8d505ee432f9e59525ea23984e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5cbabf3a71575cd31bc7785d92d4ab42338a654b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8cc9ec711f5255167247a9ab6a7179b787426ed7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b35afd5cf8fab236ef21117e42ee45691d4ffa7b
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